US citizen, UK nursing student not sure what to do

[UKCALIGIRL]

Hi,

I am US citizen who has been living in the UK for 5 year. I am in my second year of university studying adult nursing. My husband and I would like to relocate back to California after I graduate and gain a year of experience practicing as a nurse here in the UK. Sadly, I just found out that I will not be able to sit the NCLEX exam in California in order to practice as a nurse there as I will be missing experience and education in paed's, mental health, gynae or microbiology.

I am wondering what it would take for me to gain the qualifications necessary to sit the NCLEX exam? Does anyone know how long that would take? Could I qualify to sit the LVN certificate exam, work as a LVN while taking classes to meet the California requirments to be an RN and then sit the NCLEX? It all seems like it might not be worth it as I am a mature student and frankly am running out of time.

Any direction would be GREATLY appreciated. Not sure if I should just quit my dream of becoming a nurse and return to my previous career of an Executive PA or Medical Practice Manager.

HELP!

Thanks!

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Moved to the International forum

I would image you would have a similar issue for LPN/LVN because you are short on certain hours.

[UKCALIGIRL]

It must be possible as there are always reports of British trained nurses going to the United States, I am just not sure how. Looks like Austraila may be a more feasable option. Can't complain about that. :0)

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

It must be possible as there are always reports of British trained nurses going to the United States, I am just not sure how. Looks like Austraila may be a more feasable option. Can't complain about that. :0)

It used to not be a problem but we have had several members post in recent years that have had issues due to the way the UK has changed how they train nurses